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Breed Overview

The Golden Retriever is one of the world’s favourite dog breeds. Originally bred as gun dogs, the Golden Retriever is a smart, trainable and friendly companion. Because of their intelligence, they make great working dogs and can be seen performing a number of different roles including seeing-eye dogs, hearing dogs, hunting & detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

Golden Retrievers are large, strong dogs with thick coats which repel water. There are three main types of Golden Retrievers, which have arisen due to the breed’s widespread popularity. The British type has a wider, shorter muzzle, shorter legs and tail, a deeper chest and a blockier forehead. British Golden Retrievers tend to be gold or cream, but never red, mahogany or white. American Golden Retrievers are taller than British ones, lankier, and less stocky. Canadian types have thinner, darker coats and are generally taller and leaner than other types. Puppies of all types usually have a very light coat which darkens over time.

The breed has a double coat which sheds throughout the year but particularly around the change of the season. It has a thicker, water-repellent top coat and a soft undercoat to keep the dog cool in warmer months and warm in cooler months.

Personality and Temperament

They are known for being loveable and charming dogs who love to please their owners. They are at their happiest when surrounded by their family, and are often described as the ideal family pet. They are good with children, loyal, docile, and are extremely rarely aggressive.

Because they tend to shed quite a lot, it is recommended that owners spend 10 minutes a week brushing the dog and bathing it once a month.

Like all dogs, the Golden Retriever should be socialised and exposed to different environments and situations from a young age to ensure it becomes a well-rounded dog.

As they are large dogs, Golden Retrievers require at least two hours of physical activity a day – if they do not get enough exercise, they can become destructive and highly-strung. Whilst they like to play, they are incredibly smart and highly trainable dogs. Favourites at dog shows and sporting competitions, Golden Retrievers are frequently listed in the top 5 smartest dogs.

What are the most common claims for Golden Retrievers15

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Common Golden Retriever Diseases & Conditions

Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and pictures

Cancer. A 1998 study by the Golden Retriever Club of America found that cancer (namely hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumour and osteosarcoma) was responsible for the deaths of 61.4% of Golden Retrievers in America, but a UK study from 2004 places this number at 38.8%.

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition in which the thighbone and hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness in one or both legs, and can lead to arthritis later in the dog’s life.

Elbow dysplasia, common among large dog breeds, is a heritable condition in which different growth rates of bones in the elbow can cause joint laxity, leading to pain and lameness. Surgery may be required to fix the issue or medication may be given to control the pain

Cateracts. Canine cataracts, like in humans, are characterised by cloudy spots on the eye which grow over time and can develop at any age. Often they do not impact vision, but in some cases have been known to cause blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy can also cause vision loss in Golden Retrievers.

Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a heart problem resulting from a narrow connection between the aorta and the left ventricle, which can cause fainting and even death. It is detectable and treatable.

Osteochondrosis dissecans is an orthopaedic condition resulting from improper cartilage growth in the joints, usually in the elbows, which causes severe pain. Too much protein fed to the dog when it is a puppy can lead to the condition.

Allergies can be an issue with Golden Retrievers, especially allergies to fleas and occasionally food. Symptoms include the dog licking its paws or rubbing its face very often.

Gastric dilation-volvulus (bloat) is a life-threatening condition affecting large dogs. It is caused by feeding the dog one large meal a day, eating too quickly, or drinking lots of water or doing physical activity after eating. Unless treated immediately, the dog may die. Signs include a distended abdomen, excessive drooling and retching.

Other Issues. Von Willebrand’s disease (a blood disease), epilepsy and hypothyroidism are also conditions which may affect Golden Retrievers.

Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.

What are the most common claims for Golden Retrievers15

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History

The Golden Retriever is a relatively recently-developed breed. It originated in Scotland in the mid-1800s out of a need for an adequate retriever breed (both on land and in water) for wealthy hunters. The breed we see today came out of crossing the best water spaniels with existing land retrievers, resulting in an active, powerful dog with a soft mouth-grip for retrieving game. The Scottish businessman and politician Dudley Marjoribanks is credited with creating the breed and his daughter Ishbel is credited with bringing the breed to Canada.

The Kennel Club of England first registered the breed as “Flat Coats – Golden” in 1903 and in 1911 it was officially recognised as “Retriever (Golden and Yellow)”. The American Kennel Club officially recognised the breed 14 years later in 1925.

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Golden Retriever Facts!

Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the USA owned a Golden Retriever called Liberty. It is said that if Ford wanted to end a conversation in the Oval Office he would signal the dog who would then greet the visitor, creating a break in the conversation.

Golden Retrievers are great watch dogs but not great guard dogs, as they are friendly to everyone, even strangers.

Related Breeds

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Any advice provided is general only, has been prepared without taking in to account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. Consequently, before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in deciding whether to acquire or continue to hold, Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance.

2 The 2 months free offer entitles you to the equivalent of 2 months free premium over the first year of cover. The discount will be spread over the course of the first year and deducted from the standard monthly payment. This offer only applies to new policies for eligible pets under the age of 12 months and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We may revoke this offer at any time without notice to you.3 Offer only eligible to policy holders who continue to hold their policy after the 21-day cooling off period has ended. Offer also applies each policy year where you change your contact details or your pet’s tag is lost. Limit of one (1) Pet ID Tag per policy year.4 As long as you continue to renew your policy and there are no breaks, lapse or change in the level of cover after your pet reaches the age of 9 (subject to the applicable terms and conditions).5 You may apply for a review of a Pre-existing Condition exclusion after 18 months of the original policy Commencement Date and provided your vet has verified your Pet has been free from clinical signs, symptoms or recurrence of the Pre-existing Condition. For more details refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.6 According to productreview.com.au7 Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover.8 Only applies to treatments under the optional Routine Care cover. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for further details.9 Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for further details.10 Terms and conditions apply. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for further details.11 Excluding pre-existing conditions.12 For more information about our policy options and any terms and conditions, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.13 This is an example only. Not all conditions and treatment will be covered. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover.14 This is based on how Bow Wow Meow policy holders have insured their pets from 1/10/2017 – 30/09/2018.15 Most common health issues for this pet/breed from 1/10/2017 – 30/09/2018.16 This is based on Bow Wow Meow policy holders who made claims for this pet/breed from 1/10/2017 – 30/09/2018.